WOD Universal Rear Axle Truss
WF03012
The Wide Open Design Universal Rear Axle Truss is engineered to reinforce rear axle housings subjected to extreme horsepower, oversized tires, and punishing off-road terrain. Manufactured from heavy-duty 1/4" cold rolled steel, this universal truss significantly increases axle housing rigidity while helping reduce tube flex during rock crawling, Ultra4 racing, mud racing, trail riding, and high-performance street applications.
Designed to fit a wide range of popular rear axle housings—including Dana 44, Dana 60, Dana 70, Dana 80, and GM 14-Bolt axles—the precision-cut profile provides excellent weld contact for a strong, durable installation. Whether you're building a custom axle from scratch or reinforcing an existing housing, this Made-in-USA truss is an ideal foundation for demanding off-road builds.
Includes:
- (1) Wide Open Design Universal Rear Axle Truss
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Wide Open Design |
| Application | Universal Rear Axle Truss |
| Material | 1/4" Cold Rolled Steel |
| Length | 34.125" |
| Height | 7.50" |
| Depth | 2.50" |
| Design | Precision-cut and contoured for maximum weld contact |
| Installation | Weld-On |
| Finish | Raw Steel |
| Country of Origin | Made in USA |
Fitment
Universal Rear Axle Fitment
- Dana 44 Rear Axles
- Dana 60 Rear Axles
- Dana 70 Rear Axles
- Dana 80 Rear Axles
- GM 14-Bolt Rear Axles
- Custom Fabricated Rear Axle Housings
Fitment Notes
- Designed for universal rear axle applications.
- Welding and final fitting are required.
- May require trimming depending on axle housing design and suspension brackets.
- Ideal for rock crawlers, Ultra4 cars, race trucks, trail rigs, and custom fabrication projects.
- Compatible with additional axle reinforcement components such as pinion guards and axle tube gussets.
FAQ
Why install an axle truss?
Large tires, high horsepower, lockers, and aggressive off-road driving place tremendous stress on axle housings. A properly designed truss helps reduce axle tube flex, minimizes housing deflection, and maintains more consistent ring-and-pinion alignment under load.
What is axle "smiling"?
"Smiling" describes the permanent upward bending of axle tubes caused by repeated high-torque loads and hard impacts. Once an axle housing bends, gear setup, bearing preload, and axle shaft alignment can all be affected. A heavy-duty truss helps resist this type of deformation.
Why is a truss important on a GM 14-Bolt?
Although the GM 14-Bolt is one of the strongest production rear axles available, extreme rock crawling and competition use can still cause axle tube movement where the tubes are pressed and plug-welded into the center section. Pairing this truss with a pinion guard and housing tie-ins helps create a rigid boxed structure that better distributes suspension and drivetrain loads.
Can this truss be modified for custom applications?
Yes. Because it is supplied as a weld-on universal truss, builders can trim or notch the truss as needed to clear suspension brackets, link mounts, shock mounts, or custom chassis components while maintaining excellent reinforcement.
